In Mexico City, Li Daijing left her lucrative tech job in China to assist in running a family member’s restaurant. She aspires to launch an online furniture business importing items from her homeland, aiming for independence and growth. Numerous Chinese migrants are seeking better opportunities abroad due to China’s economic slowdown and high youth unemployment rates.
Many Chinese immigrants are heading to Mexico, with thousands choosing it as their final destination. The proximity to the US allows some to start their businesses in Mexico, leveraging trade opportunities. The Mexican government granted 5,070 temporary residency visas to Chinese migrants last year, showing a significant increase compared to previous years.
Mexico’s well-established Chinese community, coupled with the presence of Chinese multinationals setting up businesses in the country, attracts new Chinese arrivals. In areas like Mexico City, a growing Chinese population is observed, engaging in businesses, community events, and creating public spaces for their activities.
This new wave of Chinese migrants, hailing from various regions of China, differs from previous generations. They are more diversified and educated, contributing to the evolving landscape of Chinese communities in Mexico. While tensions arise with locals over the expanding presence of Chinese businesses, Chinese entrepreneurs are actively participating in the economic growth of Mexico.
For individuals like Li Daijing, Mexico represents a land of opportunity, especially for those without US connections. Li aims to thrive in Mexico using her experience from working at Tencent Games. Despite facing challenges as a single newcomer, she is determined to pursue her ambitious business plans in Mexico, like selling imported furniture to Mexican consumers via online platforms. With a spirit of perseverance, Li is set on navigating the unknown and achieving her goals in Mexico.
